Cruciate Disease in Cats
Cruciate disease refers to the tearing or rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the knee (stifle) joint.
What Is Cruciate Disease in Cats?
Cruciate disease refers to the tearing or rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in the knee (stifle) joint. This ligament plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee, and when damaged, it causes pain, lameness, and joint instability. While cruciate ligament injuries are more common in dogs, they can also occur in cats, often due to trauma, degenerative joint disease, or underlying conditions such as obesity.
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we offer expert care to diagnose and treat cruciate disease, ensuring your cats comfort and health.
Signs Your Cat May Have Cruciate Disease
Cats are experts at hiding pain, so cruciate injuries may not always be immediately obvious. Signs to watch for include:
🐾 Sudden or gradual lameness in one hind leg
🐾 Difficulty jumping or reluctance to use stairs
🐾 Swelling around the knee joint
🐾 Stiffness, especially after resting
🐾 Hesitancy to put full weight on the affected limb
🐾 Decreased activity and increased rest
If your cat shows any of these signs, a vet check-up is recommended to allow for treatment and prevent further complications.
What Causes Cruciate Disease in Cats?
Cruciate ligament injuries in cats may occur due to:
🐾 Trauma – Falls, accidents, or sudden twisting movements can lead to ligament tears.
🐾 Degenerative Changes – Age-related weakening of the ligament increases the risk of rupture.
🐾 Obesity – Excess weight puts additional strain on the knee joint, making injuries more likely.
🐾 High-Impact Jumps or Landings – Cats who frequently jump from great heights are at higher risk.
🐾 Inflammatory Joint Conditions – Arthritis or other joint diseases may contribute to ligament deterioration.
When to See a Vet
If your cat is limping, avoiding movement, or showing signs of pain in a hind leg, a vet visit is essential. Immediate veterinary attention is recommended if:
🐾 The lameness is severe or persists for more than a few days.
🐾 Your cat is unable to bear weight on the affected leg.
🐾 The knee joint appears swollen or unstable.
🐾 Your cat stops jumping, playing, or using their litter box properly due to pain.
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we offer gentle, professional treatment to relieve discomfort and prevent complications.
Professional Cruciate Disease Treatment at My Corner Vet
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the cat’s overall health. Options include:
Conservative Management
For minor tears or cats with mild symptoms, rest, pain relief (anti-inflammatory medications), and weight management may be effective.
Surgical Intervention
In severe cases, surgery may be needed. This surgery is known as the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO), which alters the knee’s mechanics to restore stabilisation.
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Post-treatment care includes controlled movement, physiotherapy, and gradual return to normal activities.
How to Prevent Cruciate Disease in Cats
🐾 Maintaining a healthy weight – Prevents excessive strain on joints.
🐾 Providing controlled exercise – Regular movement keeps joints strong and flexible.
🐾 Minimising high-impact jumps – Using cat trees or ramps can reduce joint stress.
🐾 Supporting joint health – Joint supplements with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids may help.
While not all cases can be prevented, you can reduce the risk by:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Some may heal with rest and pain management, but some cats may be recommended surgical intervention depending on the individual patient and injury.
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Recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks, with gradual improvements in mobility over time.
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While some cats adapt, untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and reduced quality of life.
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Often a vet is needed to properly access your cats lameness and identify the underlying cause. A full physical and orthopedic exam combined with X-rays is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
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It is less common than in dogs, but it can still occur, particularly in overweight or older cats.
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🐾 Expert care for cat cruciate and TPLO surgery in Perth
🐾 Same-day appointments available
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📍 Clinic Location: 134 Broadway, Nedlands, WA
📞 Call Us: (08) 6285 8535
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